A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to release the music of a talented local musician and Angus high school careers adviser who took his own life.
Dundee University graduate and former civil servant Graeme Scott, 39, who was employed by Skills Development Scotland and worked as a careers adviser at Webster’s High School, Kirriemuir, and Carnoustie High School, died following a battle with depression.
Now his friend and former band mate Andy McDiarmid, 37, of Newburgh, Fife, is working with Assai Record Shop in Broughty Ferry to create and promote an LP of Graeme’s songs.
Proceeds will go to Scottish charity Brothers in Arms to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst men.
Andy said: “It may be a cliché to say that I can’t think of anyone with a bad word to say about Graeme, but it’s true.
“He was a funny, intelligent, and thoughtful guy. He was also a man that somehow seemed out of time, and recently we lost him.”
Andy, who recently completed a PhD and is an associate member of staff at Dundee University, said that while Graeme had had a history of depression, he had recently sought help for this and was undergoing treatment.
He had a strong network of family and friends around him, and seemed to be in a “good place”.
However, everyone was very saddened by his passing.
“Graeme was a very talented musician,” said Andy. “Over the years he sent me dozens of songs; funny songs, sad songs, amazing songs, and the occasional bad song!
“His music is best described as outsider-psych-pop. His big influences were culled from the sixties; Beatles, Stones, 13th Floor Elevators, Seeds, Syd Barrett, Skip Spence… but he also owed a debt to a few Scottish bands; Primal Scream, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Associates.
“I’ve been listening to these songs a lot over the last few weeks, and in memory of Graeme I want more people to hear them.
Artwork
“That’s why this funding page is here.
“I want to get a selection of Graeme’s songs pressed up on a 10” E.P.
“The artwork will be done by a Dundee artist and a local record shop (Assai) will stock and sell the record.”
Andy said music was Graeme’s outlet and this record would be a fitting tribute to him, raising money and awareness around this issue.
“Making this record would have been a dream of his,” he added. “It’s unfortunate I didn’t push him about it before.”
